Breaking Down Silos Within a Multihospital System: Lessons From the California Department of State Hospitals Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Am J Public Health. 2024 Oct 3:e1-e5. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2024.307846. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The California Department of State Hospitals and Department of Public Health collaborated to develop infection control programs in five inpatient psychiatric hospitals in response to COVID-19. In the retrospective observational study described here, conducted from March 2020 through February 2023, we calculated seven-day rolling averages of COVID-19 cases overlaid with key interventions, communication strategies, and policies implemented to break down silos for a consistent and coordinated response. Our findings may inform others regarding effective strategies and partnerships with public health experts during future outbreaks. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 3, 2024:e1-e5. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307846).